Agglomeration elimination for metal sputter deposition of chalcogenides

ABSTRACT

A method for fabricating chalcogenide materials on substrates, which reduces and/or eliminates agglomeration of materials on the chalcogenide materials; and system and devices for performing the method, semiconductor devices so produced, and machine readable media containing the method. One method disclosed includes forming a first layer, forming a second layer on the first layer, forming a third layer on the second layer, wherein the third layer is essentially transparent to irradiation, and irradiating the second layer through the third layer to cause the second layer to diffuse into the first layer thereby creating an integral layer of materials from the first and second layers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to integrated circuit fabrication and, more particularly, to fabrication of chalcogenide integrated circuit devices and chalcogenide integrated circuit structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the field of integrated circuit memory devices, there is a continuing trend toward memories that have store more information, consume less power, operate faster, take up less space, and cost less to make. While these are often competing interests, memory manufactures strive to make advances in these areas to remain competitive. Thus, the ability to manufacture small memory cells efficiently is crucial in maximizing the performance and cost-efficiency of a memory device.

[0003] Popular memories today include dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), static random access memories (SRAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and flash memories. Certain basic characteristics are shared by these memories. For example, these memories typically include one or more memory arrays, where each array has a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns. Other than these basic characteristics, however, these memories possess many different attributes. By way of a general comparison, ROMs and flash memories do not exhibit true random access as do DRAMs and SRAMs. Also, DRAMs and SRAMS are volatile memories. DRAMS require constant power to retain and refresh the contents of the memory. SRAMs require constant power to retain the contents of the memory. ROMs, and flash memories are non-volatile memories. Furthermore, DRAMs typically require less area on a die than the other memories, but DRAMs generally do not exhibit the fastest access times. Thus, as can be appreciated due to the many trade-offs between these different memory configurations, the type of memory used greatly depends upon the requirements of the system in which it is used.

[0004] One reason for these differences may be understood by referring to the memory cells used by these various memories. Although the memory cells of these different memories store data in the form of an electrical charge, the memory cells take different forms. The form of a memory cell may dictate many of a memory's characteristics. For instance, the memory cell of a typical dynamic random access memory (DRAM) generally includes a memory element and an access device. The memory element is typically a small capacitor, which stores data as the presence or absence of an electrical charge on the capacitor. The access device, typically referred to as an access transistor, is electrically coupled to the small capacitor and controls the charging and discharging of the capacitor.

[0005] DRAMs possess many desirable features, such as large storage capacity, high storage density, and ease of manufacture. However, due to the type of memory cell used, DRAMs also require periodic refreshing, i.e., the capacitors need to be periodically recharged, to maintain the stored information. Although the memory cells of ROMs, and flash memories do not require refreshing, they suffer from disadvantages, such as lower storage densities, larger size, and greater cost to manufacture.

[0006] Instead of using memory cells that store information in the form of an electrical charge, memory cells may be manufactured of a material that is capable of storing information. Chalcogenides are a class of materials that may be used to store information in an integrated circuit memory. Chalcogenide material may be electrically stimulated to change states, from an amorphous state to increasingly crystalline states. In the amorphous state, chalcogenide material exhibits a high electrical resistivity. As chalcogenide material progresses into an increasingly crystalline state, its electrical resistivity generally decreases. Because chalcogenide material retains its programmed state even after removal of the electrical stimulus, chalcogenide-based memories are non-volatile. As an added benefit, chalcogenide elements may be repeatedly programmed into two or more states. Thus, chalcogenide-based memories may operate as traditional binary memories or as higher-based memories.

[0007] In chalcogenide-based memories, the memory cells are typically formed by disposing chalcogenide material between two electrodes. Examples of chalcogenide-based memories are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,220 issued to Sandu; U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,689 issued to Reinberg; U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,720 issued to Harshfield; each assigned to Micron Technology, Inc. and each incorporated herein by reference. As discussed in these patents, U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,219 issued to Ovshinsky et al. provides an explanation of the function and operation of chalcogenide elements and their use in memory cells. U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,219 is also incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] A brief description of a conventional chalcogenide memory cell fabrication technique is now provided with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D. A bottom electrode 105 is formed on a substrate (not shown). FIG. 1A shows a chalcogenide, first material layer 107 formed on the bottom electrode 105. A second material layer 109 is formed on the first layer 107. The second layer 109 is then exposed to ultraviolet radiation, which drives the material of second layer 109 into the first layer 107 to create a doped, active chalcogenide material layer 110 (FIG. 1B). A top electrode material is then sputtered on chalcogenide material layer 110 (FIG. 1C). The top electrode material may be a noble metal such as silver. However, the top electrode 115 includes agglomerations or protrusions 120 on the surface thereof (FIG. 1D). FIG. 2 shows a 5 μm×5 μm area atomic force microscopy image of the protrusions 120 on the upper surface of top electrode 115 with the chalcogenide material layer 110 being GeSe doped with Ag and the top electrode 115 being Ag. The top electrode is 1000 Å thick. The protrusions 120 have an average height of about 550 Å and create a surface roughness rms of 140 Å. The surface of the electrode also has a terrace area height around the protrusions of 95 Å. It is also noted that the protrusions are visible even for very thin electrode thicknesses such as 100 Å.

[0009] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for fabrication of chalcogenide memory devices which reduce agglomeration of sputtered material on the chalcogenide.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The above mentioned problems with thin film fabrication techniques are addressed by the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification. The fabrication technique of the present invention includes forming a barrier layer on the layer to be diffused into the chalcogenide layer. Thus, prior to diffusing material into the chalcogenide layer the barrier layer is formed on a stacked layer to be diffused and the chalcogenide layer. In one embodiment according to the teachings of the present invention, the barrier layer is essentially transparent to the irradiation for driving the diffusing material into the chalcogenide layer. In another embodiment, the chalcogenide layer and the barrier layer include the same material.

[0011] In one embodiment according to the teachings of the present invention, a memory storage device is formed having a first electrode, a second electrode and a chalcogenide layer intermediate the first and second electrode. The second electrode has a smooth surface. In one embodiment, the smooth surface has an rms surface roughness of less than 140 Å, and, in another embodiment, the rms surface roughness is about 10.8 Å. Another embodiment includes the smooth surface having reduced height protrusions thereon.

[0012] Additional embodiments of the invention include methods, structures, deposition devices and systems for forming films on substrates, and machine readable media having fabrication instructions stored thereon as described herein.

[0013] These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIGS. 1A to 1D show a conventional fabrication sequence for a chalcogenide memory cell.

[0015]FIG. 2 is an atomic force microscopy image of a conventional chalcogenide memory cell.

[0016]FIGS. 3A to 3D show a fabrication sequence for a chalcogenide memory cell according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 4 is an atomic force microscopy image of a sputtered silver layer formed on a silver-germanium-selenium chalcogenide layer according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system for fabricating a chalcogenide memory cell according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a diagram of a wafer including at least one chalcogenide memory cell according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a circuit module including at least one chalcogenide memory cell according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a memory module including at least one chalcogenide memory cell according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an electronic system including at least one chalcogenide memory cell according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a memory system including at least one chalcogenide memory cell according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a computer system including at least one chalcogenide memory cell according to the teachings of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The terms wafer and substrate used herein include any structure having an exposed surface onto which a layer is deposited according to the present invention, for example to form the integrated circuit (IC) structure. The term substrate is understood to include semiconductor wafers. The term substrate is also used to refer to semiconductor structures during processing, and may include other layers that have been fabricated thereupon. Both wafer and substrate include doped and undoped semiconductors, epitaxial semiconductor layers supported by a base semiconductor or insulator, as well as other semiconductor structures well known to one skilled in the art. The term conductor is understood to include semiconductors, and the term insulator is defined to include any material that is less electrically conductive than the materials referred to as conductors. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0026] According to the teachings of the present invention, fabrication of films on substrates, devices and systems for such fabrication, media containing instructions therefor, and integrated circuits produced according to the present invention are described.

[0027]FIGS. 3A through 3D show structure for a chalcogenide memory cell fabrication process according to the teachings of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows a fundamental stack 300 of layers that undergoes further processing to form a chalcogenide memory cell. Stack 300 includes a bottom electrode 305 formed of a conductive material and on a substrate (not shown). A chalcogenide material layer 307 is formed on the bottom electrode 305. In one use of chalcogenide memory cells, chalcogenide material is electrically stimulated to change states, from an amorphous state to increasingly crystalline states. In the amorphous state, the chalcogenide material exhibits a high electrical resistivity. As chalcogenide material progresses into an increasingly crystalline state, its electrical resistivity generally decreases. Because chalcogenide material retains its programmed state even after removal of the electrical stimulus, chalcogenide-based memories are non-volatile. As an added benefit, chalcogenide elements may be repeatedly programmed into two states. Thus, chalcogenide-based memories operate as traditional binary memories or as higher-based memories. Examples of chalcogenide material include Te, Se, Ge, Sb, Bi, Pb, Sn, As, S, Si, P, and O, and mixtures or alloys thereof. A dopant material layer 309 is formed on layer 307. A thin barrier layer 308 is formed on layer 309. Barrier layer 308 is essentially transparent to activation energy sources which are used to drive the dopant material layer 309 into the chalcogenide material 307 to form an active, doped chalcogenide layer 310.

[0028] In another use of chalcogenide memory cells, a phase shift is not the phenomena for storing data. Upon application of a proper electrical signal having polarity dependent magnitudes with suitable duration, the dopant material in the chalcogenide layer forms micro-chains between the electrodes of the memory cell. In one memory state, the micro-chains of silver lower the resistance across the chalcogenide layer. In another memory state, the micro-chains of silver are not formed and/or they do not lower the resistance of the chalcogenide layer. Accordingly, the doped chalcogenide layer has the ability to represent two different memory states.

[0029]FIG. 3B shows the fundamental stack 300 undergoing a transformation by exposing the dopant layer 309 to irradiation through the barrier layer 308. The irradiation drives the material of dopant layer into the chalcogenide layer 307 to create doped chalcogenide layer 310. In one embodiment according to the teachings of the present invention, the irradiation is ultraviolet light exposure causing photodissolution of dopant layer 309 into layer 307. The duration, wavelength and intensity of the ultraviolet light are factors which influence the photodissolution of the dopant material into layer 307. These factors are controlled by a reactor and are also dependent on the dopant and chalcogenide materials. One of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure will understand the suitable ultraviolet light exposure for effecting photodissolution of the dopant layer 309 into layer 307 to achieve the desired chalcogenide properties.

[0030]FIG. 3C shows the dopant layer 309 and the barrier layer 308 fully integrated with the chalcogenide layer 307 to form doped chalcogenide layer 310. A top electrode layer 315 is then formed on top of layer 310. In one embodiment according to the teachings of the present invention, the formation of the top electrode layer 315 is performed by sputtering the material of the top electrode layer on layer 310. In one embodiment of the invention the top electrode layer is a metal, more specifically a noble metal such as silver. FIG. 3D shows the formation of the top electrode layer 315. According to the teachings of the present invention, the top electrode 315 does not have the defects, e.g. protrusions 120, formed by conventional fabrication processes as illustrated in FIG. 1D.

[0031] In one embodiment according to the teachings of the present invention, the undoped chalcogenide layer 307 is a GeSe layer and the dopant layer 309 is a noble metal. In another embodiment, the noble metal layer is Ag. Thus in this embodiment, the doped chalcogenide layer 310 is Ag—GeSe.

[0032] In one embodiment according to the teachings of the present invention, the barrier layer 308 is formed of a material which is the same as the chalcogenide layer 307. Thus, the dopant layer 309 will diffuse into layers 307 and 308 during the irradiation of the material of dopant layer 309 through the essentially transparent barrier layer 308. The barrier layer 308 prevents the dopant material from agglomerating at the surface of the doped chalcogenide layer 310 and attracting the material forming the top electrode, which in turn encourages formation of agglomerations or protrusions in the upper surface of the top electrode. In one embodiment according to the teachings of the present invention, the dopant material is the same as the top electrode material. Thus in one embodiment, the dopant and top electrode are silver.

[0033] One embodiment of the present chalcogenide structure 350 (FIG. 3D) is formed from a stack 300 including a metal bottom electrode 305 and a GeSe chalcogenide layer 307 formed on the metal bottom electrode 305, with the GeSe layer 307 having a thickness in the range of about 500 Å to about 1,000 Å. A dopant layer 309 of silver is formed to a thickness in a range of about 100 Å to about 200 Å on the GeSe chalcogenide layer 307. A thin GeSe barrier layer 308 is formed on the silver dopant layer to a thickness in a range of about 20 Å to about 50 Å. The GeSe barrier layer is significantly thinner than either the GeSe chalcogenide layer 307 or the dopant layer 309. The dopant layer 309 is irradiated by ultra-violet light through the barrier layer 308. The barrier layer 308 is transparent to the ultra-violet light. Through the action of photodiffusion, the material of the dopant layer is driven into GeSe chalcogenide layer 307. The dopant layer 309 also diffuses into the barrier layer 308. Accordingly, the doped, active chalcogenide layer 310 of this embodiment includes the chalcogenide layer 307, barrier layer 308 and dopant layer 309. Thereafter, a silver top electrode 315 is formed on layer 310, for example by sputtering, to a thickness in a range of about 1,000 Å to about several thousand Å. In one embodiment, the top electrode has a thickness of about 2,000 Å. A silver doped GeSe chalcogenide memory cell formed according to teachings of the present invention does not have the protrusions or agglomerations which a conventionally formed chalcogenide memory cell.

[0034] In another embodiment according to the teachings of the present invention, the GeSe chalcogenide layer is formed to a thickness of about 500 Å, the dopant layer is formed of a 150 Å silver layer, and the barrier layer is formed of a 30 Å GeSe layer. The silver top electrode 315 of this embodiment is formed to a thickness of 1000 Å and does not have the tall protrusions of a conventional top electrode 115 (FIG. 2). FIG. 4 shows an image of a chalcogenide structure according to the teachings of the present embodiment. The FIG. 4 shows a 2 μm×2 μm area of the silver top electrode 315 of the present embodiment. The maximum height for protrusions on the top electrode surface is about 40 Å. The surface roughness rms is about 10.8 Å. Accordingly, the present embodiment provides a substantial improvement over conventionally formed chalcogenide device which has protrusions with a height of about 550 Å and a surface roughness rms of 140 Å. That is, the present chalcogenide memory cell has insignificant protrusions which are about 7% of the height of the conventionally formed chalcogenide device. Likewise, the surface roughness of the present chalcogenide memory cell is about 7% of the surface roughness of the conventionally formed chalcogenide device.

[0035] Therefore, depositing the barrier layer 308 on the dopant layer 309 prior to driving the dopant layer into the chalcogenide layer 307 essentially eliminates or significantly reduces agglomeration, i.e. formation of protrusions, when forming the top electrode on the doped chalcogenide layer 310. Specifically, the method according to the teachings of the present invention reduces top electrode surface roughness and height of protrusions for electrode thicknesses as compared to conventional methods of forming chalcogenide integrated circuit devices which have like electrode thicknesses.

[0036] It will be understood that other thicknesses of the barrier layer 308 are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the barrier layer 308 may be thinner or thicker than 30 Å as described in one of the above described embodiments. In one embodiment the barrier layer 308 can be in a range of about 20 Å to about 50 Å. In another embodiment, the barrier layer has a thickness of 30 Å. The barrier layer 308 is limited in its maximum thickness only by the need to keep the barrier layer 308 essentially transparent to the energy source driving the dopant layer 309 into chalcogenide layer 307 to form doped, chalcogenide layer 310.

[0037] The use, construction and fundamental operation of reactors for fabricating chalcogenide integrated circuit devices are understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of semiconductor fabrication. The present invention may be practiced on a variety of such reactors without undue experimentation. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will comprehend the necessary detection, measurement, and control techniques in the art of semiconductor fabrication as well as the more inclusive art of industrial processing for producing films on substrates upon reading the disclosure.

[0038]FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a deposition system 500 suitable for practicing the invention. FIG. 5 is provided for illustrative purposes and the invention is in no way limited to the reactor shown herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will comprehend other suitable systems for practicing the invention described in this application. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes a chamber 501 that is a pressure-sealed compartment for mounting a substrate 502 on susceptor 503. Chamber 501 is typically manufactured from a metal, such as stainless steel, and is designed to contain a low-pressure environment around substrate 502 as well as to contain process gases, exhaust gases, and heat or plasma energy within chamber 501. On the substrate 502 are formed a fundamental chalcogenide structure 503 including, upwardly from the substrate, bottom electrode 505, undoped chalcogenide layer 507, dopant layer 509, and barrier layer 508 as described herein according to the teachings of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these layers may be all formed in the same processing chamber or in a sequence of processing chambers. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, an irradiation source 512 is positioned in the chamber 501 and provides ultraviolet light through barrier layer 508 for driving the dopant layer 509 into the undoped chalcogenide layer 507 and diffusing same into barrier layer 508 according to the teachings of the present invention. It will be recognized that the irradiation source may be positioned outside the chamber 501. The system 500 may also include a source 520 for sputtering a top electrode layer on the doped chalcogenide layer (not shown in FIG. 5). System 500 further includes a control system 530 for controlling the process parameters for forming the layers. The control system 530 may be a stand alone computer, such as a PC or a processor integral with the reactor. In another embodiment, control system 530 may be a networked computer system or a mainframe computer. The duration and intensity of the ultraviolet light, and the sputtering of the top electrode can all be controlled by the control system 530 as one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading the disclosure. The duration, wavelength and intensity of the ultraviolet light are process parameters which influence the photodissolution of the dopant material 509 into chalcogenide layer 507. Other process parameters that can be controlled by system 530 include temperature of substrate 502 and ambient temperature in chamber 501. The control system 530 may internally store the process parameters and directions for forming the chalcogenide device or it may communicate with a machine readable media 540 on which are stored the process steps an/or the process parameters according to the teachings of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the control system 530 may include, integrally or separately therefrom, the machine readable media 540 which contains instructions for performing the present invention. Media 540 may be an electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, etc. storage device that stores instructions that are read by control system 530. Such storage devices include magnetic disks and tape, optical disks, computer memory, etc. Control system 530 may also include a processor (not shown) for issuing instructions to control deposition system 500 based upon instructions read from machine readable media 540.

[0039] As recognized by those skilled in the art, memory devices of the type described herein are generally fabricated as an integrated circuit containing a variety of semiconductor devices. The integrated circuit is supported by a substrate. Integrated circuits are typically repeated multiple times on each substrate. The substrate is further processed to separate the integrated circuits into dies as is well known in the art. A brief description of various embodiments of structures, devices and systems in which the present invention may be incorporated follows. It will be recognized that the following are exemplary and are not exclusive of other structures, devices, and systems in which the memory device according to present invention may be used.

[0040] Semiconductor Dies

[0041] With reference to FIG. 6, for one embodiment, a semiconductor die 610 is produced from a wafer 600. A die is an individual pattern, typically rectangular, on a substrate that contains circuitry, or integrated circuit devices, to perform a specific function. At least one of the integrated circuit devices contains a chalcogenide memory device in accordance with the present description. A semiconductor wafer will typically contain a repeated pattern of such dies containing the same functionality. Die 610 may contain additional circuitry for the memory device as discussed herein. Die 610 may further contain additional circuitry to extend to such complex devices as a monolithic processor with multiple functionalities. Die 610 is typically packaged in a protective casing (not shown) with leads extending therefrom (not shown) providing access to the circuitry of the die for unilateral or bilateral communication and control.

[0042] Circuit Modules

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, two or more dies 610 may be combined, with or without protective casing, into a circuit module 700 to enhance or extend the functionality of an individual die 610. Circuit module 700 may be a combination of dies 610 representing a variety of functions, or a combination of dies 610 containing the same functionality. One or more dies 610 of circuit module 700 contain at least one chalcogenide memory device as described herein.

[0044] Some examples of a circuit module include memory modules, device drivers, power modules, communication modems, processor modules and application-specific modules, and may include multilayer, multichip modules. Circuit module 700 may be a subcomponent of a variety of electronic systems, such as a clock, a television, a cell phone, a personal computer, an automobile, an industrial control system, an aircraft and others. Circuit module 700 will have a variety of leads 710 extending therefrom and coupled to the dies 610 providing unilateral or bilateral communication and control.

[0045]FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a circuit module as memory module 800. Memory module 800 contains multiple memory devices 810 contained on support 815, the number generally depending upon the desired bus width and the desire for parity. Memory devices 810 include at least one chalcogenide memory device as described herein. Memory module 800 accepts a command signal from an external controller (not shown) on a command link 820 which provides for data commands. Memory module 800 further includes a number of data links 830 for input and output of data. The command link 820 and data links 830 are connected to leads 840 extending from the support 815. Leads 840 are shown for conceptual purposes and are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. 8.

[0046] Electronic Systems

[0047]FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of an electronic system 900 containing one or more circuit modules 700, at least one of which includes a chalcogenide memory device as described herein. Electronic system 900 generally contains a user interface 910. User interface 910 provides a user of the electronic system 900 with some form of control or observation of the results of the electronic system 900. Some examples of user interface 910 include the keyboard, pointing device, monitor or printer of a personal computer; the tuning dial, display or speakers of a radio; the ignition switch, gauges or gas pedal of an automobile; and the card reader, keypad, display or currency dispenser of an automated teller machine. User interface 910 may further describe access ports provided to electronic system 900. Access ports are used to connect an electronic system to the more tangible user interface components previously exemplified. One or more of the circuit modules 700 may be a processor providing some form of manipulation, control or direction of inputs from or outputs to user interface 910, or of other information either preprogrammed into, or otherwise provided to, electronic system 900. As will be apparent from the lists of examples previously given, electronic system 900 will often be associated with certain mechanical components (not shown) in addition to circuit modules 700 and user interface 910. It will be appreciated that the one or more circuit modules 700 in electronic system 900 can be replaced by a single integrated circuit. Furthermore, electronic system 900 may be a subcomponent of a larger electronic system.

[0048]FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of an electronic system as memory system 1000. Memory system 1000 contains one or more memory modules 800 and a memory controller 1010. At least one of the memory modules includes a chalcogenide memory device as described herein. Memory controller 1010 provides and controls a bidirectional interface between memory system 1000 and an external system bus 1020. Memory system 1000 accepts a command signal from the external bus 1020 and relays it to the one or more memory modules 800 on a command link 1030. Memory system 1000 provides for data input and data output between the one or more memory modules 800 and external system bus 1020 on data links 1040.

[0049]FIG. 11 shows a further embodiment of an electronic system as a computer system 1100. Computer system 1100 contains a processor 1110 and a memory system 1000 housed in a computer unit 1105. Computer system 1100 is but one example of an electronic system containing another electronic system, i.e., memory system 1000, as a subcomponent. The memory system includes at least one chalcogenide memory device as described herein. Computer system 1100 optionally contains user interface components. Depicted in FIG. 11 are a keyboard 1120, a pointing device 1130, a monitor 1140, a printer 1150 and a bulk storage device 1160. It will be appreciated that other components are often associated with computer system 1100 such as modems, device driver cards, additional storage devices, etc. It will further be appreciated that the processor 1110 and memory system 1000 of computer system 1100 can be incorporated on a single integrated circuit. Such single package processing units reduce the communication time between the processor and the memory circuit.

CONCLUSION

[0050] Thus, the present invention provides improved structures of and methods for fabrication of chalcogenide integrated circuit devices according to the teachings of the present invention. The fabrication of the chalcogenide device includes formation of a barrier layer on the dopant/chalcogenide stack prior to driving the dopant into the chalcogenide layer. The resulting doped chalcogenide layer provides a superior base on which a top electrode is formed. The top electrode accordingly has fewer protrusions and reduced surface roughness compared to conventional fabrication techniques.

[0051] While the above description specifically references certain materials for forming the chalcogenide memory device, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to these examples. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention includes any other applications in which the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fall scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated circuit device, comprising: a bottom layer; an active chalcogenide layer on the bottom layer; a top layer on the active chalcogenide layer, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of less than 140 Å.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of less than about 20 Å.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of about 10.8 Å.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the top layer is sputtered silver.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the chalcogenide layer includes diffused silver.
 6. An integrated circuit memory cell, comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode spaced from the first electrode; an active chalcogenide layer intermediate the first and second electrodes; and wherein the second electrode has an outer surface which has an rms surface roughness of less than 140 Å.
 7. The integrated circuit memory cell of claim 6, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of less than about 20 Å.
 8. The integrated circuit memory cell of claim 6, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of about 10.8 Å.
 9. The intergrated circuit memory cell of claim 6, wherein the top layer is sputtered silver.
 10. The integrated memory cell of claim 9, wherein the chalcogenide layer includes diffused silver.
 11. A formative structure for creating chalcogenide integrated circuit devices, comprising; a bottom layer; a chalcogenide layer on the bottom layer; a metal layer on the chalcogenide layer; and a thin barrier layer on the metal layer, the barrier layer having a thickness such that the barrier layer is essentially transparent to irradiation for diffusing the metal layer into the chalcogenide layer.
 12. The structure of claim 11, wherein the thin layer is a thin chalcogenide barrier layer.
 13. The structure of claim 12, wherein the thin chalcogenide barrier layer and the chalcogenide layer are formed of a same material.
 14. The structure of claim 13, wherein the same material is GeSe.
 15. The structure of claim 11, wherein the metal layer includes silver.
 16. A chalcogenide memory cell, comprising: a first electrode; a chalcogenide layer on the first electrode; a second electrode on the chalcogenide layer, the top electrode having protrusions thereon with a height of less than 40 Å.
 17. The chalcogenide memory cell of claim 16, wherein the chalcogenide layer includes a metal diffused therein.
 18. The chalcogenide memory cell of claim 17, wherein the second electrode includes a same metal as diffused into the chalcogenide layer.
 19. A method of forming a chalcogenide layer in an intergrated circuit device, comprising: forming a layer; forming a second layer on the first layer; forming a third layer on the second layer; and diffusing the second layer into the first layer to create an integral layer including materials from the first and second layers.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein diffusing to create the integral layer includes irradiating the second layer through the third layer such that the second layer is diffused into the first layer.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein irradiating includes exposing the second layer to ultra-violet light.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the steps are performed in the recited order.
 23. A method of forming a chalcogenide layer in an intergrated circuit device, comprising: forming a first layer; forming a second layer on the first layer; forming a third layer on the second layer, wherein the third layer is essentially transparent to irradiation; and irradiating the second layer through the third layer to cause the second layer to diffuse into the first layer thereby creating an integral layer of materials from the first and second layers.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein forming the third layer includes forming the third layer to a thickness of less then about 30 Å.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein forming the third layer includes forming a third layer to a thickness of less than about 50 Å.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein forming the third layer includes forming the third layer of a material that is the same as the first layer.
 27. The method of 25, wherein forming the first layer includes forming the first layer to have a thickness of about 500 Å and forming the first layer on a substrate.
 28. The method of 27, wherein forming the second layer includes forming the second layer to a thickness in a range of about 100 Å to about 200 Å.
 29. The method of claim 23, wherein forming the third layer includes forming the third layer to have a thickness in the range of about 20 Å to about 50 Å.
 30. A method of forming a doped chalcogenide layer in an integrated circuit device, comprising: forming a formative chalcogenide layer; forming a metal layer on the formative chalcogenide layer; forming a thin barrier layer on the metal layer; irradiating the metal layer through the thin barrier layer to diffuse the metal layer into the formative chalcogenide layer to create the doped chalcogenide layer.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein irradiating to create the doped chalcogenide layer includes diffusing the metal layer into the thin barrier layer to create a portion of the doped chalcogenide layer that has a smooth upper surface.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein forming the thin barrier layer includes forming the thin barrier layer from a chalcogenide material.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein forming the thin barrier layer includes forming the thin barrier layer from the same chalcogenide material as the formative chalcogenide layer.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein forming the formative chalcogenide layer includes forming the formative chalcogenide layer from GeSe.
 35. The method of claim 30, wherein forming the thin barrier layer includes forming the thin barrier layer to a thickness of less than 30 Å.
 36. The method of claim 30, wherein forming the thin barrier layer includes forming the thin barrier layer to a thickness of less than 50 Å.
 37. The method of claim 30, wherein forming the thin barrier layer includes forming the thin barrier layer to a thickness in the range of about 20 Å to about 50 Å.
 38. The method of claim 30, wherein forming the metal layer includes forming a silver layer.
 39. A method of forming a doped chalcogenide layer in an integrated circuit device, comprising: forming a formative GeSe layer; forming a silver layer on the formative GeSe layer; forming a thin barrier layer on the silver layer; irradiating the silver layer through the thin barrier layer to diffuse the silver layer into the formative GeSe layer to create the doped chalcogenide layer.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein forming the thin barrier layer includes forming a thin GeSe barrier layer.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein forming the formative GeSe layer includes forming same to a thickness in the range of about 500 Å to about 1,000 Å, and wherein forming the silver layer includes forming same to a thickness in the range of about 100 Å to about 200 Å.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein forming the thin GeSe barrier layer includes forming the same to a thickness of less than or equal to about 30 Å.
 43. The method of claim 41, wherein forming the thin GeSe barrier layer includes forming same to a thickness in a range of about 20 Å to about 50 Å.
 44. A chalcogenide integrated circuit device prepared by a process comprising: forming a first layer; forming a second layer on the first layer; forming a third layer on the second layer; and diffusing the second layer into the first layer to create an integral layer including materials form the first and second layers.
 45. The chalcogenide integrated circuit according to claim 44, wherein diffusing to create the integral layer includes irradiating the second layer through the third layer such that the second layer is diffused into the first layer.
 46. The chalcogenide integrated circuit according to claim 45, wherein irradiating includes exposing the second layer to ultra-violet light.
 47. The chalcogenide intergrated circuit according to claim 44, wherein the steps are performed in the recited order.
 48. A chalcogenide integrated circuit device prepared be a process comprising: forming a first layer; forming a second layer on the first layer; forming a third layer on the second layer, wherein the third layer is essentially transparent to irridiation; and irradiating the second layer through the third layer to cause the second layer to diffuse into the first layer thereby creating an integral layer of material from the first and second layers.
 49. A chalcogenide integrated circuit device prepared by a process comprising: forming a formative chalcogenide layer; forming a metal layer on the formative chalcogenide layer; forming a thin barrier layer on the metal layer; irradiating the metal layer through the thin barrier layer to diffuse the metal layer into the formative chalcogenide layer to create the doped chalcogenide layer.
 50. A chalcogenide integrated circuit device prepared by a process comprising: forming a formative GeSe layer; forming a silver layer on the formative GeSe layer; forming a thin barrier layer on the silver layer; irradiating the silver layer through the thin barrier layer to diffuse the silver layer into the formative GeSe layer to create the doped chalcogenide layer.
 51. A semiconductor die including a chalcogenide integrated circuit device which comprising: a bottom layer; an active chalcogenide layer on the bottom layer; a top layer on the active chalcogenide layer, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of less than 140 Å.
 52. The semiconductor die of claim 51, wherein the top layer has and rms surface roughness of less than about 20 Å.
 53. The semiconductor die of claim 51, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of about 10.8 Å.
 54. The semiconductor die of claim 51, wherein the top layer is sputtered silver.
 55. The semiconductor die of claim 54, wherein the chalcogenide layer includes diffused silver.
 56. A circuit module comprising a plurality of semiconductor dies, at least one of the semiconductor dies including a chalcogenide integrated circuit device having: a bottom layer; an active chalcogenide layer on the bottom layer; a top layer on the active chalcogenide layer, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of less than 140 Å.
 57. The circuit module of claim 56, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of less than about 20 Å.
 58. The circuit module of claim 56, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of about 10.8 Å.
 59. The circuit module of claim 56, wherein the top layer is sputtered silver.
 60. The circuit module of claim, 59, wherein the chalcogenide layer includes diffused silver.
 61. An electronic system comprising a processor and a memory system, the memory system including a chalcogenide integrated circuit device, which includes: a bottom layer; an active chalcogenide layer on the bottom layer; a top layer on the active chalcogenide layer, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of less than 140 Å.
 62. The electronic system of claim 61, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of less than about 20 Å.
 63. The electronic system of claim 61, wherein the top layer has an rms surface roughness of about 10.8 Å.
 64. The electronic system of claim 61, wherein the top layer is sputtered silver.
 65. The electronic system of claim 64, wherein the chalcogenide layer includes diffused silver.
 66. Machine executable code stored on machine readable media forming a chalcogenide layer in an integrated circuit device, the machine executable code comprising: forming a first layer; forming a second layer on the first layer; forming a third layer on the second layer; and diffusing the second layer into the first layer to create an integral layer including materials from the first and second layers.
 67. The machine executable code of claim 66, wherein diffusing to create the integral layer includes irradiating the second layer through the third layer such that the second layer is diffused into the first layer.
 68. The machine executable code of claim 67, wherein irradiating includes exposing the second layer to ultra-violet light.
 69. The machine executable code of claim 66, wherein the steps are performed in the recited order.
 70. Machine executable code stored on machine readable media forming a chalcogenide layer in an integrated circuit device, the machine executable code comprising: forming a first layer; forming a second layer on the first layer; forming a third layer on the second layer, wherein the third layer is essentially transparent to irradiation; and irradiating the second layer through the third layer to cause the second layer to diffuse into the first layer thereby creating an integral layer of materials from the first and second layers.
 71. The machine executable code of claim 70, wherein forming the third layer includes forming the third layer to a thickness of less then about 30 Å.
 72. The machine executable code of claim 71, wherein forming the third layer includes forming a third layer to a thickness of less than about 10 Å.
 73. The machine executable code of claim 72, wherein forming the third layer includes forming the third layer of a material that is the same as the first layer.
 74. The machine executable code of claim 72, wherein forming the first layer includes forming the first layer to have a thickness of about 500 Å and forming the first layer on a substrate.
 75. The machine executable code of 74, wherein forming the second layer includes forming the second layer to a thickness in a range of about 100 Å to about 200 Å.
 76. Machine executable code stored on machine readable media forming a chalcogenide layer in an integrated circuit device, the machine executable code comprising: forming a formative chalcogenide layer; forming a metal layer on the formative chalcogenide layer; forming a thin barrier layer on the metal layer; irradiating the metal layer through the thin barrier layer to diffuse the metal layer into the formative chalcogenide layer to create the doped chalcogenide layer. 